George Cunningham

George Clark "Clay" Cunningham, 80 years of age, passed away on January 31, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida.

Born on May 30, 1944, in Seagraves, Texas, Clay grew up with a strong work ethic and a love for life's simple pleasures. At the age of 17 he joined the United States Air Force where he served from 1961 to 1969, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of discipline and determination that carried through his entire life. He successfully completed his high school diploma and later attended 2 years of college.

Clay married Diana Dale Meaux in 1962. They had 3 daughters together. They later divorced and Clay raised his daughters on his own.

Clay was a hardworking man who built a successful career as a plumber an business owner. He owned and operated C&C Plumbing for many years, earning a reputation for his skill and reliability. Beyond plumbing, he had an entrepreneurial spirit and invested in several rental properties over the years. His philosophy was simple: work hard and enjoy life - a belief he lived by everyday.

Outside of work, Clay had a passion for old cars, particularly American muscle cars. He loved collecting and working on them, often spending hours tinkering under the hood or admiring their craftsmanship. His trike was another prized possesssion that brought him great joy. When he wasn't working on cars, he could be found sitting on his front porch with a beer in hand, talking about life with friends and family. He also enjoyed watching old westerns and listening to classic country music - two pastimes that reflected his appreciation for tradition and nostalgia.

Clay's favorite sayings were "getter done" and "If you want it done right, do it yourself," and in his later life "be happy" phrases that perfectly captured his straightforward nature. He was a man who valued honesty and hard work above all else. Though he kept things simple, his love for his family ran deep.

He is survived by his daughters Veronica Cunningham; Tonia Olsen and her husband Chris Olsen; and Sonia Jarvis. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Savannah Seleska; Lane Seleska; Ashley Sweeney and her husband Jason; Hailey Manning and her husband Tyler; Megan Tucker and her husband Kyle; Justeen Perez; Rodney "Clayton" Jarvis; and Thomas Channel. He also leaves behind great grandchildren Winter Sweeney, Heavenly Sweeney, Tristan Sweeney, Isabella Sweeney, Haiden Manning, Zaira Manning, John Manning, Tyler Manning, Grayson Tucker, Lorenzo Tucker, Nico Tucker, and Forest Perez.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Karlie Jarvis; brothers Charlie Cunningham, Bob Cunningham, Ed Cunningham, Richard Lee Cunningham, Dale Cunningham, Tommy Cunningham, and sisters Neva Cunningham and Mary Cunningham.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 15, 2025, at Bayside Community Church 8200 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida 34241 at 1:30pm.

Clay will be remembered as a hardworking man who lived life on his own terms - straightforward yet deeply devoted to those he cared about. His memory will live on in the stories shared by those who knew him best.